In general travelers to Italy should plan on hot, sunny summers; mildly cold winters with a lot of rain and little snowfall; and fall and spring seasons that can range from sunny and pleasant to rainy and chilly.

Italy's rainfall varies dramatically by region and season, so "a lot" depends on where you stand. In 2026, the northern Alpine regions and the western coast (Tuscany and Campania) receive the most precipitation, often exceeding 1,000mm (40 inches) annually. Cities like Milan and Genoa are notoriously rainy in the autumn and spring. Conversely, the southern regions like Sicily and Puglia are much drier, seeing as little as 500mm (20 inches) per year, with long, arid summers where rain is a rarity. Italy experiences a Mediterranean climate, meaning the vast majority of rain falls in the "winter" months of October through March. For 2026 travelers, it is vital to note that November is statistically the wettest month nationwide. If you are visiting the north, a sturdy umbrella is a necessity, but if you're heading to the sun-drenched south in July, you likely won't see a single drop during your entire trip.